Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to Baltimoretoggle

The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Columbus to Baltimore can be as low as $1,439 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,240.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $628 to $1,613. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbus to Baltimore

Moving from Columbus to Baltimore comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Baltimore is generally more expensive than Columbus, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Columbus Baltimore
Average rent cost $1,100 $1,600
Average home value $157,861 $180,790
Average income (per capita) $50,542 $58,349
Cost of living (single person) $2,041 $2,223
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,834 $5,088
Unemployment rate 5.3% 7.9%
Sales tax 9.0% 6.0%
State income tax 5.49% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Baltimore are 46% higher than in Columbus, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
    Home prices in Baltimore are 14.5% higher than in Columbus.
  • Income in Baltimore is 15.4% higher than in Columbus, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Baltimore include Social Security Administration, Laureate International Universities, and Fitch Co.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Baltimore, since the cost of living for a single person in Baltimore is 8.9% higher than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Baltimore, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Baltimore is 32.7% higher than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Baltimore is 49.06% higher than in Columbus.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Baltimore, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Baltimore are 33.33% lower than in Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Baltimore are 4.74% higher than in Columbus.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,267.52 in Baltimore to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How life is different in Columbus vs. Baltimore

Baltimore Columbus
Population 585,708 206,922
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 2
Walkability score 64 25
Bike friendliness score 53 31
Crime Index 72.72 72.18
Safety Index 27.28 27.82
Air Quality Good Good
  • Baltimore's population is about 183% greater than Columbus.
  • Baltimore's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Columbus's lower score of 2.
  • Baltimore is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 64 out of 100 vs Columbus's 25 out of 100.
  • With a score of 53 out of 100, Baltimore is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Baltimore and Columbus have a similar crime rate.
  • Baltimore and Columbus are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Baltimore is good, and in Columbus it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbus vs. Baltimore move

  • Weather: Baltimore has long hot summers, cool winters, and a summer peak to annual precipitation. Spring and autumn are warm, with spring being the wettest season in terms of the number of precipitation days.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Maryland does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Baltimore. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Baltimore

Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Comeback Cit", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Baltimore.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Federal Hill
  • Fells Point
  • Mid-Town Belvedere
  • Mount Vernon
  • South Baltimore

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Catonsville
  • Mount Washington
  • Pikesville
  • Roland Park
  • Towson

Things to do in Baltimore

After settling into your new Maryland home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Baltimore has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Baltimore is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, B&O Railroad Museum, and Baltimore Museum of Industry.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Federal Hill Park, Patterson Park, Canton Waterfront Park, and Leakin Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Baltimore Orioles (MLB) and Baltimore Ravens (NFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Columbus to Baltimore?

The best time to move from Columbus to Baltimore is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Baltimore?

Because most people are moving from Columbus to Baltimore in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Columbus to Baltimore take?

The 789-mile move from Columbus, GA, to Baltimore, MD, takes two to seven days. Some Columbus movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Baltimore.

Helpful moving resources